West Nile virus now widespread in Onondaga County

Ellen M. Blalock / The Post-Standard, file photo, 2012These mosquitoes were captured in traps in Central New York area. Â

The West Nile virus has been found in five different locations in Onondaga County, confirming that the virus is widespread, health officials announced Wednesday.

Dr. Cynthia Morrow, Onondaga County’s health commissioner, urged people to take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

The virus was found in mosquitoes in the town of Jordan; Beaver Lake Nature Center, Lysander; Clay Marsh, Clay; Taft Road, Cicero and Oneida Shores Park, Brewerton, according to the Onondaga County Health Department.

The mosquitoes were collected between July 20 and 26 and sent to the state laboratory for testing.

The Health Department said people need to use inspect repellent if they are outdoors during prime mosquito feeding hours at dawn and dusk and take other steps to protect themselves like making sure window and door screens are in place.

Earlier, the virus was found July 11 on Midler Avenue in Syracuse and June 7 in the Cicero Swamp.

County health officials offered the following tips to reduce mosquito breeding grounds:

» Put away outdoor containers, ceramic pots or other containers that hold water

» Remove all tires from your property because they collect water.

» Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.